Playpen Frame Locking Legs for Flexible Folding Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional playpen frames are cumbersome to transport and store due to their limited folding configurations, requiring lifting and lacking flexibility in folding and unfolding mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A playpen design featuring independently folding and unfolding standing legs with a locking mechanism that allows multiple folding configurations, enabling convenient transport and storage by allowing the upper frame assembly and standing legs to be folded and unfolded independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the playpen frame is constructed with four top rail corners and standing legs connected through bar linkages, then the playpen provides stable support structure, but the playpen becomes cumbersome to transport and lacks flexibility in folding configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The playpen frame is divided into separable components: an upper frame assembly that can be detached from the standing legs. The standing legs are further segmented into individual units that can fold independently. This segmentation allows the frame to maintain structural stability when assembled while enabling convenient disassembly and flexible folding configurations for transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The standing legs are designed with dynamic folding capabilities, allowing them to transition between extended (unlocked) and retracted (locked) positions. The locking mechanism enables the legs to be locked in various angular positions relative to the upper frame assembly, providing adaptability for different transport and storage configurations while maintaining stability when deployed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the standing legs are connected through multiple bar linkages to a bottom center hub, then the playpen achieves a folding configuration for storage, but the playpen requires lifting for transport which is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the upper frame assembly and standing legs is segmented into a detachable interface rather than a fixed linkage system. This allows the upper frame to be separated from the standing legs, enabling the legs to fold independently without requiring the entire structure to be lifted as one unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The standing legs incorporate a locking mechanism that allows them to be dynamically adjusted between locked (extended) and unlocked (foldable) states. This dynamic capability enables the legs to be folded flat against the upper frame assembly for compact storage while maintaining structural integrity when locked in the extended position for transport.
3Device complexity
If the playpen has only one folding configuration, then the structure is simple, but the playpen lacks flexibility for convenient transport and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism enables the standing legs to be positioned at multiple angles relative to the upper frame assembly, creating multiple stable folding configurations. The leg can be locked in various positions during folding or transport, providing versatility without requiring complex additional mechanisms. The basic pivot connection maintains structural simplicity while the locking capability adds adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A playpen includes an upper frame assembly including a corner joining part, a standing leg pivotally connected with the corner joining part, the standing leg being rotatable relative to the corner joining part between a folded position where the standing leg is folded toward the upper frame assembly and an unfolded position where the standing leg is deployed for providing standing support on a floor surface, and a locking mechanism disposed adjacent to the corner joining part, the locking mechanism having a latch operable to lock the standing leg in the unfolded position and to unlock the standing leg for rotation of the standing leg between the unfolded position and the folded position.